Caption: Solar cell. Micrograph of the surface of a solar (photovoltaic) cell, which converts light into electrical energy. The cell is made from silicon, a semi-conductor. Because the silicon is a semi-conductor, the energy of photons of light is enough to release electrons from the silicon. This cell contains numerous small silicon crystals, and so is called a polycrystalline (amorphous) cell. Solar power is an environmentally-friendly energy source and does not pollute or use up limited resources. Magnification: 200x.